Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa May/June 2014 | Page 14

GBCSAMEMBERS AFRISAM Tel: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.afrisam.com AfriSam is a reputable supplier of superior quality construction materials and technical solutions. With a commitment to sustainable development and the environment, the company utilises natural resources in a deliberate way, ensuring life for future generations. Over the years, AfriSam products have made a significant contribution to various infrastructural developments on the continent. REVELSTONE Tel: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.revelstone.co.za Visit our comprehensive showroom to view all products designs & textures. We have been owner-run since 1993 and are an industry leader in strength, abrasion and absorption ratings. Products are manufactured using a water repellent efflorescence reducing agent and the latest green technology, using 100% recyclable moulds and to the highest industry standards; used and recommended by all leading installers. REGENT LIGHTING SOLUTIONS Tel: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.regentlight.co.za Established in 1990, Regent Lighting has transformed to become a multifaceted lighting solutions company, developing light fittings to compliment the architectural design of buildings. Designing and developing our own products in house and employing 250 staff, allows us the flexibility to manufacture customised lighting solutions. Regent’s product range is continually developing to meet the technical and design demands of our market. Embracing new technology, we work closely with leading component manufacturers to develop luminaires that accommodate the latest technology in energy efficiency and controls. 14 STANDARD BANK ROSEBANK - 5 STAR - GREEN STAR SA OFFICE V1 DESIGN of electricity needed by 5,300 households for a year), 115 million kilograms of carbon emissions (equivalent to taking 28,000 cars off the road), and 124 million litres of water, sufficient for 34,000 households for a year. However, developers now face the challenge to ensure that the buildings realise, or even exceed, these savings in their operations. GBCSA FACTS Community The GBCSA is supported by over 1,100 members who form an extensive network of like-minded organisations and individuals covering seven industry sectors. Learn Over 5,000 people have been trained on the GBCSA’s Green Star SA Accredited Professional Course, with more than 700 qualifying as Green Star SA Accredited Professionals. An online education platform has been launched offering new and upgraded courses and allowing more flexible access to course material. The GBCSA hosts an annual convention with speakers and attendees from various sectors covering property developers, professional services, property investors and supporting manufacturing services. This years convention cites “It’s time for Africa” and will be held from 10-12 September at the CTICC. 48 124 MORE EFFICIENT AT SAVING WATER MILLION KWH LITRES MILLION ENERGY SAVED PER YEAR PREDICTED TO BE SAVED PER YEAR Certify GBCSA has three types of Green Star SA rating tools that cover new buildings, existing buildings and interior fit-outs. A suite of four tools covers different building typologies for New Buildings, namely, Offices, Retail Centres, MultiUnit Residential Buildings and Public and Education Buildings. The Existing Buildings Performance Tool and the Interiors tool, currently in pilot phase, focus on transforming the remaining 98% of South Africa’s building stock. The Energy and Water Benchmark allows building owners to “know their number” in order to identify buildings’ water and energy consumption and to compare this to an industry average. The Socio-Economic Category, currently in pilot phase, has seen the GBCSA move beyond green building to include socio-economic factors in their rating tools, a first for developing countries. Advocate The GBCSA has led two key projects to demonstrate the benefits of resourceefficiency in communities and homes. Cato Manor Green Street project in KwaZulu-Natal retrofitted 30 low-cost homes with solar water heaters, insulated ceilings, efficient lighting, heat insulation cookers, and tanks for rainwater harvesting while food gardens were established in the area. The recently-launched My Green Home project aims to showcase the journey of a high-consuming family as they green their home, to educate South Africans about a range of cost- and Earth-saving actions, and to inspire behaviour change. For more information visit: www.gbcsa.org.za Green Watch